- EXCLUSIVE from Graeme Bailey
HITC understands Chelsea were in attendance to watch Napoli on Wednesday evening as they were watching their top summer striker target Victor Osimhen.
The Blues reps did not go home disappointed as the Nigerian claimed a hat-trick within 47 minutes, as his side thrashed relegation-threatened Sassuolo 6-1.
After the highs of winning Serie A last season for the first time in three decades, this current campaign has been more troubling for those in Naples.
But their star striker is still doing special things, as his hat-trick has now taken his goals tally to 11 goals from 15 league games, mixed between a season that has seen him serve a suspension, suffer an injury and then play in the Africa Cup of Nations.
Victor Osimhen signed a new deal with Napoli at the turn of the year, but that included a release clause – which is set to be activated this summer.
HITC understands that Chelsea have been working hard since the turn of the year to try and get a deal finalised for the 25-year-old.
But other clubs are interested with PSG, replacing Kylian Mbappe and Sergio Ramos, and Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal are also keen – Thierry Henry responded to whether his former side should sign Victor Osimhen.
Victor Osimhen’s finale at Napoli
These are going to be an interesting few months for the striker because the elite clubs across Europe want to acquire his services.
The ‘world-class’ striker has written his name into the legendary books in Naples, and to think the great Diego Maradona sits above them all, then it’s some going.
Napoli are hoping to make something of this season after Luciano Spalletti’s departure in the summer and the expectations that were put on them.
They sit ninth in the table and are eight points off fourth spot, as they hope Osimhen can provide some final bit of magic before he heads for the exit door.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
